Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp critique against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during his visit to Gujarat, highlighting a trio of critical issues plaguing the state. In his address, he pointed to the growing menace of drugs and illegal liquor, alongside the persistent distress faced by the farming community.
Core Allegations Against the State Government
Gandhi asserted that the social fabric of Gujarat is under threat due to state-sponsored neglect. He specifically accused the administration of providing a protective shield to criminals involved in the narcotics and illicit alcohol trade, allowing these networks to flourish. This environment, he argued, has created an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.
Simultaneously, he turned his focus to the agrarian crisis, emphasizing the plight of farmers who are struggling with debt, poor crop prices, and inadequate government support. According to the Congress MP, these interconnected issues are a direct result of the BJP's failed policies in its long-held bastion.
Women's Protests and Alleged State Neglect
A significant part of Gandhi's critique centered on the role of women in the state. He claimed that women are taking to the streets in large numbers to voice their anger and despair. The reason for these protests, as stated by Gandhi, is twofold: criminals are receiving overt protection from those in power, while the common people, especially women, are met with sheer neglect and apathy.
This, he suggested, indicates a severe breakdown in governance and safety, where the powerful are shielded and the vulnerable are left to fend for themselves. His statements aimed to underscore a perceived gap between the government's claims of development and the ground reality of social insecurity.
Political Implications and Timing
The remarks, made on December 2, 2025, carry considerable political weight. Gujarat is a key state for the BJP, and such direct allegations from a senior opposition leader are aimed at challenging the party's narrative of effective administration. By focusing on grassroots issues like crime, addiction, and agricultural distress, Gandhi's strategy appears to be connecting with localised discontent.
The visit and the subsequent statements are seen as part of the Congress's efforts to rebuild its presence in the state and offer a counter-narrative to the dominant political discourse. The emphasis on women-led protests is also a strategic move to highlight social issues beyond traditional political rhetoric.
As the political landscape evolves, these allegations set the stage for intensified debate on governance and public welfare in Gujarat, with both parties expected to leverage these points in future electoral battles.
